Jonathan Strickland’s Scout Conversion

This is my depiction of a Federation Scout VIIB utilizing the PL TOS E kit, and JT Graphics “Survey Class” decals. According to the Franz Joseph Star Fleet Technical Manual the VIIBs were allocated as “courier” ships (no wonder, since the “big E” was used too often as an interstellar taxi). I decided that since FJ went out of his way to give these ships that role then they would appear “different” from the other Scouts and Destroyers. It was suggested to me that I add a shuttle bay (or two) and that’s what you see on the bottom of the primary hull and topside, aft of the bridge. I also omitted the dangling deflector dish and installed a Salm type deflector (as found on Coventry and Surya Class designs) at the front of the primary hull/saucer (the clear blue area). Markings are what I deem “post production” (between the series and the movies).

Construction was very simple. The overall color is Testors Model Master Light Gray #36495 (use the number, as Testors has more than one Light Gray). The Warp Engines are Stop Light Red Metallic with silver decal strips and a flat coat was added to the OUTSIDE of the Brussards. (I think they would look better with a coat of MM Turn Signal Amber on the INSIDE of the Brussard as well.) The “post production” markings can be found on the JT Grpahics “Kitbashers” sheet.

Many thanks JTGraphics for producing these decals. I am enjoying the possibilities of a smooth hull fleet.

Jonathan Strickland